Monstera adansonii 'Monkey leaf'

Name and natural range of Monstera adansonii 'Monkey leaf'

‘Monkey leaf’ is used in horticulture as a trade name for green Monstera adansonii.

The species is native across tropical America and grows as a climber in warm forested habitats, where its stem ascends surrounding vegetation and attaches as it gains height.

Growing Monstera adansonii ‘Monkey leaf’

• Support or trailing growth: Let the stem trail if length is the goal, or guide the nodes up a textured support for progressively larger leaves. Tie only the main stem and keep the leaf stalks free.
• Light: Bright indirect light supports closer growth and better leaf development. In a darker position the stem may stretch and produce smaller leaves with fewer holes; harsh midday sun can scorch the thin blades.
• Water and substrate: Once the upper part of an airy mix has begun to dry, soak the rootball and let it drain fully. Avoid leaving water in an outer pot and replace compacted substrate when it no longer drains freely.
• Pruning and propagation: Trim overlong stems above a node to control length. Node-bearing cuttings can be rooted during active growth, and moderate feeding can continue while new shoots are developing.

Common problems with Monstera adansonii ‘Monkey leaf’

• Few holes in new leaves: Young leaves can be almost whole. If an established vine starts producing fewer holes, check light and climbing support; secure the stem and move it gradually into brighter indirect light if needed. Any change will show in new leaves.
• Several lower leaves turn yellow: Check how long the substrate remains wet, especially in cooler or darker conditions. Let the mix dry further between waterings and use the yellow-leaf guide if more than one cause may be involved.
• Dry brown tips: Repeated drought, dry moving air or excess fertiliser salts may be responsible. Rewet the rootball evenly, move the plant away from drying heat and flush the mix if salts have accumulated.
• Silver streaks, black specks or distorted new leaves: Check opening growth and leaf undersides for thrips. If you confirm them, isolate the vine and rinse hardened foliage. Apply a treatment labelled for thrips to the opening growth and leaf undersides, then complete the follow-up applications at the intervals stated on the label because later stages can emerge after the first treatment.

Monstera adansonii ‘Monkey leaf’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Monstera adansonii: name and meaning

Monstera comes from Latin monstrum or monstrosus, words for something unusual or abnormally formed, referring to the striking holes and divisions in the leaves. Adansonii honours French naturalist Michel Adanson.

Michel Adanson established the genus Monstera in 1763 in Familles des plantes, volume 2, page 470.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott first described Monstera adansonii in 1830 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 4, page 1028.